Japan Higher Education Market

Japan Higher Education Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Japan Higher Education Market Size Was Estimated at USD 19.23 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of Around 3.36% from 2025 to 2035
• The Japan Higher Education Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 27.67 Billion by 2035

According to a research report published by Decision Advisor & Consulting, the Japan Higher Education Market size is anticipated to reach USD 27.67 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 3.36% from 2025 to 2035. Japan Higher Education Market is fueled by a convergence of societal and technological factors, such as demographic aging, the growing demand for workforce reskilling and continuous professional development, globalization initiatives, and the rapid integration of advanced digital learning solutions.

Market Overview

Higher education is post-secondary learning, also known as tertiary education, that takes place in institutions like universities, colleges, and vocational schools after the completion of secondary schooling. It provides advanced knowledge and specialized skills, fostering critical thinking, personal development, and career preparation. The higher education sector is evolving under key trends such as the growing integration of technology-enabled learning approaches, a heightened focus on skills-oriented and personalized education, and expanding globalization along with stronger partnerships between academia and industry. The MEXT Scholarship stands as the flagship government program, providing fully funded opportunities to a diverse pool of international students. In 2024, applications were available across multiple categories.

 Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Japan Higher Education Market based on various segments and regions, and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Japan Higher Education Market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, product launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Japan Higher Education Market.

Driving Factor

Japan’s higher education market is shaped by demographic challenges such as a declining population and low birthrate, driving the need for international students and skilled workers. The government’s focus on internationalization promotes English-medium programs and global engagement, aiming to attract foreign talent, enhance workforce diversity, and prepare graduates to compete in an increasingly globalized economy.

Restraining Factor

Japan’s higher education sector struggles with population decline, limited English proficiency, and slow internationalization, resulting in a domestically focused system that faces challenges in global competitiveness and student diversity.

Market Segmentation

The Japan Higher Education Market share is categorized by learning mode, course, revenue source, and institution.

By Learning Mode

The Japan Higher Education Market is segmented by learning mode into offline, and online. Among these, the offline education is dominant in this market due to Japan strong cultural preference for in-person interaction, the traditional importance of campus social life, and regulatory policies treating distance learning differently from on-campus programs, adoption has been limited.

By Course

The Japan Higher Education Market is segmented by course into under-graduates, master’s, and PhD. Among these, the under-graduate segment is dominant in the Japan higher education market in terms of market size contribution. The under-graduation segment is dominant due to a strong societal belief that a bachelor’s degree from a prestigious university is essential for career success, it remains the primary gateway to most professional careers. 

By Revenue Source

The Japan Higher Education Market is segmented by revenue source into tuition fees, and investment returns. Among these, the tuition fees are dominant in the Japan higher education market is due to limited public funding, the predominance of private universities, and a deeply rooted cultural expectation that families cover educational costs.

By Institution

The Japan Higher education market is segmented by institution into public, and private. Among these, the private institutions are the dominant segment in the Japan higher education market due to intentional post-WWII government measures that promoted their creation to accommodate rising demand for higher education while minimizing the financial load on the state.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Japan higher education market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• The University of Tokyo
• Benesse Corporation
• EduLab
• EdulinX Corporation
• Gakken Holdings
• Mynavi Corporation
• Atama plus
• Hokkaido University
• Other

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Developments

In 2025: Shiga University announced the adoption of atama plus+, AI-powered learning materials as part of its pre-enrollment education program for incoming students in the Faculty of Data Science. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence technology, the initiative aims to enhance students’ readiness and promote more personalized, effective learning experiences before the start of their academic journey.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the Japan, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Decision Advisor has segmented the Japan Higher Education Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Japan Higher Education Market, By Learning Mode

• Offline
• Online

Japan Higher Education Market, By Course

• Under-graduation
• Master’s
• PhD

Japan Higher Education Market, By Revenue Source

• Tuition Fees
• Investment Returns

Japan Higher Education Market, By Institution

• Public
• Private

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Japan higher education market size?

A: Japan Higher Education Market size is expected to grow from USD 19.23 billion in 2024 to USD 27.67 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 3.36 % during the forecast period 2025-2035.

Q: Who are the target audiences for this market report?

A: The report targets market players, investors, end-users, government authorities, consulting and research firms, venture capitalists, and value-added resellers (VARs).

Q: Who are the key players in the Japan higher education market?

A:  Key companies include The University of Tokyo, Benesse Corporation, Edulab, Edulinx Corporation, Gakken Holdings, Mynavi Corporation, Atama Plus, Hokkaido University, And Other.